1976 Cadillac Eldorado

Description

You've already heard it a million times: the 1976 Eldorado was "the last convertible." Well, that turned out not to be true, but there hasn't been another convertible like this, that's for sure. With 500 cubic inches of V8 engine, a ride that smothers potholes like they don't exist, and enough room for six, this Eldo is truly the last of the open-air land yachts.

This '76 Eldorado offers chiseled good looks and outstanding proportions. The fender skirts of the earlier designs are gone, square headlights are in, and there's plenty of chrome to go around. Finished in Cotillion White, one of Cadillac's signature colors for '76, it's the perfect embodiment Cadillac luxury for decades. There's a ton of sheetmetal to cover here, too (actually more like two and a half tons), but the overall look is clean, especially with the contrasting red pinstripe that highlights the rather dramatic fender line. It has been repainted once, long ago, but for a car that begs for road trips, that's going to be just fine and you won't mind a few blemishes here and there when you're hauling across the countryside in your Eldorado ragtop. Cadillac fans will note that the front and rear end caps, which are notoriously prone to cracking, are in good condition, and the front bumper, with its upright posts at either end, fit nicely, suggesting that this big ragtop has never been hit. The grille is highly detailed, with a tighter pattern than 1975, and orange parking lights were new, and all the brightwork in this car's case is original and showing well for being nearly 40 years old today.

1976 Eldorados came only one way: loaded. The red leather interior has a comfortable, broken-in feel that's inviting without showing excessive wear, and the dark red carpets are in excellent shape, undoubtedly helped by a set of black floor mats. Door panels remain in great shape with no cracking in the usual armrest locations, and the faux woodgraining on the dash and doors is excellent. Power goodies include windows, locks, both front seats, cruise control, as well as features like climate control, a defroster for the glass rear window, and a later AM/FM/cassette stereo in the center of the dash. The back seat shows very little wear at all, and the white power top is in good condition and folds in its unique "scissor" fashion, which permits a full-width back seat that can handle 3 passengers. There's also a fairly massive trunk in back, perfect for road trips.

Until recently, the 500 cubic inch Cadillac V8 was the biggest production V8 in history. Designed to make effortless, smooth power, it is the perfect companion on a warm summer day. It starts easily and idles almost without vibration, and has enough torque to run all those power accessories without even noticing. It's a little grungy, but there are signs of a fresh tune up, an R134a upgrade for the A/C, and a new radiator up front, so it's ready to go. Note that the power braking system is powered by the power steering pump (called "Hydro-boost"), and delivers stopping power to Cadillac's first 4-wheel disc brake system. The TH425 FWD transmission shifts easily, and the car was practically built to haul across Texas at 80 MPH all day. A new exhaust system eliminates the problematic catalytic converter and has a smooth hum that says refinement. Four correct 235/75/15 whitewall radials were fitted to the unique Eldo wheels with full wheel covers.

Prices are up on '70s Eldorados, and the one everyone wants to own is the '76. Call today!